After years of political wrangling with both parties for support on his nominees, President Bush withdrew the names of four highly-qualified judges, signaling a defeat--not only for the federal bench but for the constitutional process at large.
Those who will no longer be considered include William J. Haynes II, William G. Myers III, Michael B. Wallace, and Terrence W. Boyle. The administration's move was roundly praised by liberals like Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who boasted, "This reversal is one of the first tangible signs that the president heard and is heeding the message from the November elections."
However, the White House refused to flinch on its other candidates and sent up 32 nominees for Senate approval this term. The Constitution's language is clear: The president shall appoint federal judges with the "Advice and Consent of the Senate" (Article II, Sec. 2)--not the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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